Shutting Down the Mind - The Art of Deep Sleep Preparation with Dr Pedram Shojai
Sep 20, 2024
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Dr. Pedram Shojai is a NY Times Best Selling author, filmmaker, and Qigong master dedicated to guiding people on their health journey. He dives into the art of preparing for deep sleep, discussing the importance of calming the body and mind. Practical tips on sleep hygiene reveal how modern distractions disrupt rest. He shares personal insights about the vulnerability of falling asleep and emphasizes the significance of recognizing bodily signals. Transforming sleep into a daily ritual, he encourages aligning our routines with natural rhythms for better well-being.
Understanding the factors that elevate nervous system arousal, such as blue light and stress, is crucial for achieving deep sleep.
Establishing a nightly ritual of calm activities and stable blood sugar management is essential for preparing the body for restorative sleep.
Deep dives
Understanding Arousal and Sleep
Sleep is influenced significantly by the level of nervous system arousal. When arousal levels remain high, it can prevent individuals from achieving deep sleep, making it crucial to understand what elevates arousal. Factors such as exposure to blue light, stressors, and even ambient noise can contribute to heightened arousal levels, preventing a restful night's sleep. Mitigating these factors through practices like creating a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment is essential for promoting relaxation and inviting sleep.
Creating a Sleep Ritual
Establishing a nightly ritual can aid in transitioning the body and mind into a state conducive to sleep. This ritual involves consciously reducing mental stimulation and preparing for rest well before bedtime. Activities that promote calmness, such as setting aside electronic devices, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and engaging in soothing practices, help signal to the body that it's time to wind down. This proactive approach to sleep preparation is framed as the 'ritual of the moon,' encouraging individuals to intentionally decrease arousal and create a safe environment for sleep.
The Role of Blood Sugar and Safety in Sleep
Blood sugar management plays a critical role in sleep quality, influencing both cortisol and adrenaline levels that can disrupt rest. Low blood sugar can cause awakenings during the night, as the body seeks to replenish energy levels, often leading to feelings of anxiety and discomfort. Ensuring stable blood sugar levels throughout the day through balanced nutrition and appropriate meal timing can mitigate these disruptions. Additionally, fostering a sense of safety and addressing underlying emotional or environmental factors that might trigger anxiety are vital for achieving restorative sleep.
NY Times Best Selling author and film maker. Taoist Abbot and Qigong master. Husband and dad. I’m here to help you find your way and be healthy and happy. I don’t want to be your guru…just someone who’ll help point the way. If you’re looking for a real person who’s done the work, I’m your guy. I can light the path and walk along it with you but can’t walk for you.
Welcome to another episode of the Urban Monk Podcast! In this solo episode, I delve deep into a crucial topic that affects us all: sleep. This focused, in-depth exploration is part of a new format we're introducing, where we'll be dedicating entire episodes to key areas of health and wellness.
In the coming weeks and months, you can expect more of these solo deep dives, each concentrating on a specific subject that's vital to your overall well-being. These episodes are designed to provide you with comprehensive insights and practical strategies you can implement in your daily life.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to gain valuable knowledge on how to prep for deep, restorative sleep.
Health, wellness, and personal development media in a new steaming service that's designed to help you live your best life. Try this free course from The Urban Monk https://theurbanmonk.com/reboot
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